Anti-government militants entered the capital of Syria, Damascus, on the night of December 8. They declared the overthrow of President Bashar Assad, whose family had been in power since 1971. According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Assad himself fled the country, ordering a peaceful transfer of power. Here’s how political leaders around the world reacted to the news of the regime change in Syria:
Hakan Fidan
Head of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
"The Syrian people cannot do this alone. Turkey attaches importance to Syrian territorial integrity. A new Syrian administration must be established inclusively, there should be no desire for revenge. Turkey calls on all actors to act with prudence and to be watchful. Terrorist organisations must not be allowed to take advantage of this situation. Opposition groups must be united. We will work for stability and safety in Syria.The new Syria should not pose a threat to neighbours, it should eliminate threats. Any extension of the outlawed PKK militia cannot be considered a legitimate counterpart in Syria"
Joe Biden
President of the United States
"At long last, the Assad regime has fallen. This regime brutalized and tortured and killed literally hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians. The fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice. It’s a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria to build a better future for their proud country. It’s also a moment of risk and uncertainty as we all turn to the question of what comes next. The United States will work with our partners and the stakeholders in Syria to help the seize an opportunity to manage the risk. We’ll support Syria’s neighbors, including Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Israel should any threat arise from Syria during this period of transition"
Donald Trump
Formerly Elected President of the United States
"Assad is no longer in power. He fled his own country. His protector, Russia under Vladimir Putin, was no longer interested in his defense. Russia had no reason to be involved there in the first place. They lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine <…>. Russia and Iran are now in weakened states — one due to Ukraine and a struggling economy, and the other due to Israel and its military successes."
Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister of Israel
"This is a historic day in the history of the Middle East. The Assad regime — the central link in the Iranian axis of evil — has fallen. This is a direct result of the strikes we have carried out against Iran and Hezbollah — the main supporters of the Assad regime. This has triggered a chain reaction across the Middle East among all those seeking to free themselves from this repressive and tyrannical regime.The fall of the Assad regime creates new, important opportunities for Israel, but not without risks. We are acting first and foremost to protect our border. <…> At the same time, we are pursuing a policy of good neighborliness. <…> We extend a hand of peace to the Druze, Kurds, Christians, and Muslims who wish to live in peace with Israel."
Emmanuel Macron
President of France
"The barbaric state has fallen. At last. I pay tribute to the Syrian people, to their courage, to their patience. In this moment of uncertainty, I send them my wishes for peace, freedom, and unity. France will remain committed to the security of all in the Middle East."
Olaf Scholz
Chancellor of Germany
"Bashar Assad brutally oppressed his own people; countless lives lost are on his conscience, and he forced many people to flee Syria. Many of them came to Germany. The Syrian people are suffering terribly. Therefore, the end of Assad's rule in Syria is good news."
"<…> We will judge future rulers by whether they give all Syrians the opportunity to live in dignity and self-determination, in peace with their neighbors, and to protect Syria's sovereignty from the malicious interference of third parties."
Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
"The responsibility for determining Syria’s fate and future lies solely with the Syrian people," reads a statement cited by RIA Novosti and RBC.
The ministry emphasized that self-determination and decisions about Syria’s future are solely the responsibility of the Syrian people, free from destructive interference or foreign coercion.
The Ministry also called for the formation of "an inclusive government representing all Syrian people."
Kaja Kallas
European Union High Representative
"The end of Assad’s dictatorship is a positive and long-awaited development. It also shows the weakness of Assad’s backers, Russia and Iran. Our priority is to ensure security in the region. I will work with all the constructive partners, in Syria and in the region."
Geir Pedersen
UN Special Envoy for Syria
"Today marks a watershed moment in Syria’s history - a nation that has endured nearly 14 years of relentless suffering and unspeakable loss... This dark chapter has left deep scars, but today we look forward with cautious hope to the opening of a new one—one of peace, reconciliation, dignity, and inclusion for all Syrians."
Edgars Rinkēvičs
President of Latvia
"Bloody Assad regime is gone. While Syrian people face many challenges and uncertainties ahead, we celebrate the demise of a dictator. Also a message to other autocrats: you are much more vulnerable than you think. Also a strategic blow to Russia and Iran. Not a bad day."
Ursula von der Leyen
President of the European Commission
"The cruel Assad dictatorship has collapsed. This historic change in the region offers opportunities but is not without risks. Europe is ready to support safeguarding national unity and rebuilding a Syrian state that protects all minorities. We are engaging with European and regional leaders and monitoring developments."
Keir Starmer
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
"The development events in Syria in recent hours and days are unprecedented, asn we are speaking to our partners in the region and monitoring the situation closely. The Syrian people have suffered far too long under Assad's brutal regime, whose departure we welcome. Our focus now is on achieving a political solution and restoring peace and stability. We call on all parties to protect civilians and minorities, and to ensure that essential aid reaches the most vulnerable in the coming hours and days."
Donald Tusk
Prime Minister of Poland
"The events in Syria have made the world realise once again, or at least they should, that even the most cruel regime may fall and that Russia and its allies can be defeated."
